Child Autism
A series of complex developmental delays and disabilities, autism affects approximately 1 in every 166 children. This figure has increased tenfold in the past twenty years, and researchers are still no closer to unlocking the mysteries. The range of impact varies from child to child, there is a multitude of theories as to the causes, and treatment approaches are as varied as the children affected. And while researchers scramble to find the proverbial “needle in a haystack”, parents of these children are becoming financially and emotionally drained.
What is known about autism is that it is a neurological disorder that typically appears in the first three years of life. Its primary impact is on the development of the social and communication centers of the brain, affecting social interaction, play, both verbal and non-verbal communication, and sensory integration. Autistics typically have a delay in language development, have difficulty in expressing their needs, and often will repeat sounds (also called echolalia). They make little or no eye contact, are often distant and detached, and have little interest in mixing with other children. They are easily overstimulated by sensory cues such as noise and light, though they may have little response at all to pain. And to say that they are adverse to change is to understate one of the primary characteristics of autism.
Though there are some typical characteristics that identify children with autism, there are just as many differences in the how the disorder manifests itself. One child may become extremely distressed by noise, while another may be a music prodigy. One child may be able to complete complex mathematical calculations, while two-digit multiplication may spiral another into a complete meltdown. Individuals with autism have won Nobel prizes, while others have been forced to live in institutions, unable to adequately care for themselves.
Just as varied are the theories regarding the causes of autism. Some research indicates that genetic factors are at work, while others speculate about food intolerances. It may be a brain injury, or it may be the result of chemical exposures in-utero. One school of thought places the responsibility on vaccines; while yet another feels that viral infections are to blame. Whatever the cause, it does appear that children are either born with autism or the predisposition to develop it.
For those parents whose children have been diagnosed with autism, deciding which option to pursue for treatment can be as overwhelming as the diagnosis itself. There is behavioral modification, speech therapy, dietary manipulation, biochemical treatment, music therapy, art therapy, and even animal therapy. Experts staunchly disagree as to which approach is most beneficial. What they do agree on, however, is that the earlier the intervention, the better the chances for an autistic child to have even a modicum of a “normal” life. But intervention can be expensive.
Supporters of behavior modification recommend a minimum of twenty-five hours a week of therapy, with forty hours being ideal, a full time job in the working world. With governmental agencies already stretched way too thin, this leaves parents to either hire a private therapist to work full time with their child, or for most who can’t afford that, conduct the therapy themselves. But that forces them to work a full time job outside of the home to cover their living and medical expenses, and work a full time job inside the home trying to maximize their child’s potential – leaving very little time, energy, or money for anything else.
Autism’s malevolent grasp has taken little minds and grabbed hold with a vengeance. This year almost a hundred million dollars will be allocated for research into this evil monster. Will it be enough to unlock the mysteries behind this disorder? Will it be enough to offer the afflicted child an opportunity for friendships, for conversations, for so many things often taken for granted by others? For the sake of the child, one can only hope.
